CYCLING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12266, 9 May 1903, Page 7

CYCLING.

A movement ii on foot to promote a motor service in Invereargill. A Sydney writer says that the New Zealand crack, George Sutherland, is inclined to "talk big" in offering, in the course of an interview with a Christchureh paper, to ride any cyclist in Australia ("Major" Taylor was the only man barrel) at Christchureh. The writer states that there are several Australians who might easily put ill a few winter months— the cold is not a bar—by going over to win Sutherland's money, and adds that if a deposit is put lip Sutherland will no doubt be soon accommodated. He also points out that the New Zealander had lots of chances to show his speed during his recent visit to Australia, but failed.

A. F. Barker ("Joey"), for a number of years one of the leading professional riders of this colony, has definitely decided to retire from the racing path.

"Major" Taylor, now on his way to Paris from Australia, is booked to race in the French capital on May 23.

An American newspaper asserts that Frank Kramer, " Major" Taylor's formidable rival, has abandoned all idea of going to Europe in the spring, and will delay his proposed trip until later, when it is probable that he will go round the world, by way of France, to Australia, and thence to America. It is rumoured that Michael and other European cracks will bo seen on the Australian tracks next season.

It will come as a surprise to many to learn that Germany is the world's largest exporter of cycles and cycle material, that country having taken the lead from England during 1802, despite the fact that British manufacturers themselves showed a big increase in exports. Holland and Denmark are Gormany's best customers.

According to the latest Irish files to hand, great preparations are being made in Ireland for the holding of the greatest international sporting event the world has yet seen, viz., the Gordon Bennett Cup. It is anticipated that over 500,000 people will watch the great motor car race between the crack chaffeurs of England, France, Germany, and America. The proposed date for the race is July 9. The Irish authorities are having the course—loo miles, to be covered four times—put in good order, so that it will safely carry the tremendous paoo at which some of the big 100 horse-power cars will travel.

Writing of "Major" Taylor reminds m© (Australasian writer) of a conversation I had with him in his dressingroom during the progress of the Druids' Gala. Speaking of Melbourne, he said that in tho first place he disliked it on account of its sudden changes of temperature, which he found difficult to withstand. Then, in regard to the racing, the tracks, and the men, they wore very different from other places. The Adolaide Ov«j* track, with its fine long straight, suited him excellently; it allowed of a good run to the line without any chance of being blocks*. But the track oh the Melbourne Exhityitopj oval he considers to be the wors& b.e hap. raced upon. "I feel, you kru*w, that if I were to make another xity\ tjo Australia X would like to out tight out o£ -the programme,"